Ryan Benson | Sporting News

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Munir delighted with debut

Barcelona's Munir El Haddadi was left elated after the 18-year-old netted on his first-team debut at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Ryan Benson

Barcelona 3 Elche 0

Luis Enrique's reign as Barcelona coach began in style as Lionel Messi inspired the 10-man Catalans to a 3-0 hammering of Elche at Camp Nou.

Ryan Benson

Russian Premier League Review

Zenit's best ever start to a top-flight season continued on Saturday as they beat Amkar Perm 2-0 to make it five wins out of five.

Ryan Benson

Bundesliga Review

A 94th-minute Koo Ja-cheol penalty for Mainz cruelly denied Paderborn victory in their first ever Bundesliga match.

Ryan Benson

Preview: Millwall v Southampton

Millwall manager Ian Holloway is hoping a positive result against Southampton in the League Cup inspires an improvement in the Championship.

Ryan Benson

Primeira Liga Review

Sporting Lisbon snatched a late win 1-0 win over Arouca despite Nani missing a penalty upon his return to the Primeira Liga on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Sfaxien 1 Setif 1

Sfaxien progressed to the CAF Champions League semi-finals as group winners after a late equaliser earned a 1-1 draw at home to Setif.

Ryan Benson

CAF Confederation Cup Review

Al Ahly and Sewe Sport booked CAF Confederation Cup semi-final spots after seeing off the respective threats of Etoile Sahel and Nkana.

Ryan Benson

Klopp assumes blame for poor start

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp shouldered the blame for his side's poor start in Saturday's 2-0 Bundesliga loss to Bayer Leverkusen.

Ryan Benson

Bundesliga Review

Roger Schmidt's Bayer Leverkusen reign started in style and Hannover heaped more pressure on Jens Keller with a win over Schalke.

Ryan Benson

Report: Dortmund 0 Leverkusen 2

Karim Bellarabi scored the Bundesliga's fastest goal as Bayer Leverkusen beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to open Rodger Schmidt's reign in style.

Ryan Benson

Preview: Rayo v Atletico

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is keen to avoid the tag of favourites when his side begin their Liga title defence at Rayo Vallecano.

Ryan Benson

J.League Review

Two goals in six minutes handed Megumu Yoshida his first league win in charge of Sagan Tosu, as they beat Omiya Ardija 3-1 on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

UEFA Europa League Review

Tottenham produced a late turnaround to beat AEL 2-1 in the Europa League on Thursday, while Astra shocked Lyon with a 2-1 away win.

Ryan Benson

Sassuolo 4 Cittadella 1

An impressive second-half display saw Sassuolo ease into the Coppa Italia fourth round after beating Cittadella 4-1.

Ryan Benson

Rwanda appeal hearing on Wedneday

Rwanda will hear the result of their appeal against disqualification from the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.

Ryan Benson

Pochettino hails impact of subs

Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the impact of his substitutes after a late turnaround earned a 2-1 Europa League win at AEL.

Ryan Benson

League One Preview

Fleetwood Town manager Graham Alexander has warned his side against complacency as they aim to continue their perfect start in League One.

Ryan Benson

AEL 1 Tottenham 2

Late goals from Roberto Soldado and Harry Kane gave Tottenham a 2-1 win at AEL in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off.

Ryan Benson

Koeman: Schneiderlin not leaving

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has reiterated that Morgan Schneiderlin will not be allowed to leave the club.

Ryan Benson

Bowyer: Hull want Rhodes

Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer has revealed that Hull City have made an approach for Scotland forward Jordan Rhodes.

Ryan Benson

Coppa Italia Review

Serie A sides may not have been involved in Sunday's Coppa Italia ties but four penalty shoot-outs ensured plenty of drama.

Ryan Benson

Ligue 1 Review

Newcomers Leandro Jardim and Marcelo Bielsa are both still looking for their maiden Ligue 1 wins after Monaco and Marseille lost on Sunday.

Ryan Benson

Valencia 2 Milan 1

Valencia prepared for their new era under billionaire Peter Lim in encouraging fashion with a 2-1 friendly win over Milan on Sunday.

Ryan Benson

Motta suffers broken nose

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed Thiago Motta suffered a broken nose when he was headbutted in the tunnel by Bastia's Brandao on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

DFB-Pokal Review

Bundesliga side Stuttgart were dumped out of the DFB-Pokal on Saturday after losing 2-0 at second-tier club Bochum.

Ryan Benson

Coppa Italia Review

The big guns may not have been in Coppa Italia action on Saturday, but Spezia and Virtus Entella gave fans drama in their respective ties.

Ryan Benson

League One Review

Yeovil Town's poor return to League One continued on Saturday but Barnsley bounced back with a 2-1 win at Crewe Alexandra.

Ryan Benson

Klopp taking no risks with Reus

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp will not be taking any risks with Marco Reus following his three-month injury lay-off.

Ryan Benson

Allardyce reflects on loss

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce felt his side were unlucky in losing 1-0 to Tottenham on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Spurs buoyant despite 'unfair' red

Tottenham's last-gasp 1-0 win at West Ham United left head coach Mauricio Pochettino in buoyant mood despite lamenting an "unfair" red card.

Ryan Benson

J.League Review

Kawasaki Frontale remain in the hunt at the top of the J.League after edging a nine-goal thriller 5-4 against Cerezo Osaka on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Stuttgarter Kickers 1 Dortmund 4

Marco Reus and Neven Subotic returned from injury as Borussia Dortmund eased to a 4-1 DFB-Pokal first-round win over Stuttgarter Kickers.

Ryan Benson

Pearson confirms Cambiasso interest

Nigel Pearson has confirmed Leicester City's interest in former Inter midfielder Esteban Cambiasso.

Ryan Benson

Preview: Stuttgarter Kickers v Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund face minnows Stuttgarter Kickers in their DFB-Pokal opener on Saturday as they aim to go one better than last season.

Ryan Benson

Lambert not expecting Vlaar exit

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert claims he is not concerned about rumours linking captain Ron Vlaar with a move to Southampton.

Ryan Benson

USA 'formidable' without Woods

Paul McGinley knows his Europe side will face a major test in the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles despite the absence of Tiger Woods.

Ryan Benson

Hansen: Smith to start

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has confirmed that Ben Smith will start at full-back in Saturday's Rugby Championship clash with Australia.

Ryan Benson

Alembekova takes walk gold

Elmira Alembekova won gold ahead of Anezka Drahotova in the 20 kilometres walk on day three of the European Athletics Championships.

Ryan Benson

Cook not concerned about Broad

England captain Alastair Cook is certain that Stuart Broad's broken nose will not be an issue during the fifth Test with India.

Ryan Benson

Argentina near full-strength

Argentina have named a near full-strength squad to face South Africa in their Rugby Championship opener in Pretoria on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Contador announces Vuelta return

Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador will compete for a third Vuelta a Espana title despite fracturing his tibia in the Tour de France.

Ryan Benson

Pochettino impressed with Spurs

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was left delighted after beating Schalke in his White Hart Lane bow.

Ryan Benson

Eredivisie Review

Marco van Basten's reign as AZ head coach started smoothly as his side recorded a straightforward 3-0 win at Heracles.

Ryan Benson

More expected of Deulofeu

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has demanded more from Gerard Deulofeu following the youngster's underwhelming start to pre-season.

Ryan Benson

Broad set for fifth-Test return

England expect Stuart Broad to be fit for their fifth Test against India after the seamer suffered a broken nose on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Pelle own-goal decisive

Ronald Koeman's St Mary's Stadium bow ended in a 1-0 defeat to Bayer Levekusen thanks to an own goal from new signing Graziano Pelle.

Ryan Benson

Stekelenburg in Monaco loan switch

Ligue 1 side Monaco have announced the season-long loan signing of Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

Ryan Benson

Contento set for Bordeaux switch

Bordeaux are poised to sign defender Diego Contento from Bayern Munich subject to a medical, the German giants have revealed.

Ryan Benson

Vlaar returns in Parma draw

Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar made his return to club action on Saturday as Paul Lambert's men were held to a 0-0 draw by Parma.

Ryan Benson

Juve expect toughest title defence

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba believes claiming a fourth consecutive Serie A title this season will prove a tough ask.

Ryan Benson

J.League Review

Urawa Reds were unable to put pressure on J.League leaders Sagan Tosu as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Sunderland in Setbual stalemate

Sunderland were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Vitoria Setubal in their latest close-season friendly on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

West Ham beat Schalke on penalties

Jussi Jaaskelainen was the hero as West Ham United claimed a 7-6 penalty shoot-out win over Schalke after a 0-0 draw on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Leicester held at Preston

Leicester City were held to a 1-1 draw by League One side Preston North End in their latest pre-season friendly.

Ryan Benson

Late Falque penalty spares Spurs

A late Iago Falque penalty prevented Mauricio Pochettino losing his first match as Tottenham coach as Seattle Sounders claimed a 3-3 draw.

Ryan Benson

Pujara targets 350 for victory

Cheteshwar Pujara believes a second-innings total of 350 will give India a chance of sealing victory over England in the second Test.

Ryan Benson

Wozniacki, Vinci ease into final

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki will face Roberta Vinci in the WTA Istanbul Cup final after cruising past Kristina Mladenovic.

Ryan Benson

Wenger eyes new faces

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger remains in the market for new signings ahead of the 2014-15 Premier League season.

Ryan Benson

Pre-Season Friendlies Review

A number of Europe's top clubs ramped up their pre-season plans with friendlies on Saturday which saw comebacks in more than one sense.

Ryan Benson

Barthel, Scheepers into Bastad final

Germany's Mona Barthel produced a dogged display against Silvia Soler-Espinosa to book a Swedish Open final meeting with Chanelle Scheepers.

Ryan Benson

Brazil to name coach on Tuesday

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s successor as Brazil head coach will be announced on Tuesday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has announced.

Ryan Benson

Returning Fletcher nets twice

Steven Fletcher marked his return from injury with two goals as Sunderland recorded a 5-1 win in their pre-season opener at Darlington 1883.

Ryan Benson

Juve 'champions' inspire Morata

Former Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata believes the presence of "champions" at Juventus will inspire him to give everything in Turin.

Ryan Benson

Suarez opts against Honduras stay

Luis Fernando Suarez has confirmed that he has left his post as Honduras coach following the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

The world now knows Costa Rica

Giancarlo Gonzalez says Costa Rica have achieved their FIFA World Cup goal of alerting a wider audience to their country's football.

Ryan Benson

Mexico stars want Herrera stay

Mexico duo Giovani dos Santos and Miguel Layun want coach Miguel Herrera to be retained despite a second-round FIFA World Cup exit.

Ryan Benson

Huntelaar almost rejected penalty

Netherlands forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar revealed a penalty slump almost made him turn down their match-winning spot-kick against Mexico.

Ryan Benson

Hitzfeld: No man marking for Messi

Switzerland will not employ any special measures to cope with Lionel Messi when they face Argentina on Tuesday, says coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.

Ryan Benson

Unpredictable Robben praised

Netherlands captain Robin van Persie has hailed the unpredictable nature of Arjen Robben after starring in the FIFA World Cup group stage.

Ryan Benson

Cornet revels in shock triumph

Alize Cornet was left struggling to take in her achievement after she sent world number one Serena Williams crashing out at Wimbledon.

Ryan Benson

Federer relieved to reach week two

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer was relieved to reach the championships' second week after easing past Santiago Giraldo.

Ryan Benson

Algeria draw on 1982 inspiration

Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic sees no reason why his side cannot upset the odds and beat Germany in a FIFA World Cup for a second time.

Ryan Benson

Herrera expects final berth

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera will not be content to just reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.

Ryan Benson

Hong: World Cup failure my fault

South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo has accepted the blame for his team's FIFA World Cup failure as he weighs up whether to stay on.

Ryan Benson

Modric and Rakitic were invisible

Former Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar has slammed Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic for their invisible performances in the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Inter confirm M'Vila talks

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has confirmed that the club are in talks with Rubin Kazan regarding the transfer of Yann M'Vila.

Ryan Benson

Marseille in Batshuayi swoop

Marseille have completed the signing of Belgium international Michy Batshuayi from Standard Liege.

Ryan Benson

Cameroon president demands inquiry

Cameroon president Paul Biya has demanded an inquiry into the country's "unfortunate" disappointment at the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Babatunde wrist surgery a success

Nigeria have confirmed that Michael Babatunde has had successful surgery after breaking his wrist against Argentina on Wednesday.

Ryan Benson

Rueda eyes Ecuador stay

Reinaldo Rueda is keen to remain in charge of Ecuador despite suffering FIFA World Cup disappointment.

Ryan Benson

Cameroon official wants assessment

Cameroon's minister for sport and physical education Adoum Garoua says the country's FIFA World Cup disappointment needs urgent assessment.

Ryan Benson

Kim Ho points the finger at Park

Former South Korea coach Kim Ho has labelled Park Chu-young as the current squad's "biggest disappointment" at the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Bolt will bypass Glasgow - Johnson

Former sprinter Michael Johnson said he does not expect Olympic 100m champion Usain Bolt to compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in July.

Ryan Benson

Russia ace says ban Suarez after WC

Ex-Russia midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov says "wild" Luis Suarez should be banned if found guilty of biting, but only after the World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Vidal is the key for Chile

Juninho Pernambucano believes Arturo Vidal could hold the key to Chile beating hosts Brazil in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Hitzfeld: We all screwed up

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is not blaming individuals for their 5-2 defeat against France, insisting everyone "screwed up".

Ryan Benson

Rooney omitted from XI

Wayne Rooney is among a host of players to miss out as Roy Hodgson rotates his squad for England’s FIFA World Cup clash with Costa Rica.

Ryan Benson

FIFA clears Mexico over chanting

FIFA have cleared Mexico of improper conduct after their fans were reported to have sung offensive chants against Cameroon.

Ryan Benson

Ibisevic: Bosnia blame not equal

Bosnia-Herzegovina star Vedad Ibisevic has suggested that some players are more responsible than others for their FIFA World Cup failure.

Ryan Benson

Gago unconcerned by winning 'ugly'

Argentina midfielder Fernando Gago does not think that winning "ugly" against Iran is a matter for concern.

Ryan Benson

Zapata: Don't be fooled by Japan

Colombia defender Cristian Zapata has warned his team-mates to not be fooled by Japan's unimpressive start to the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Iran complain over unjust referee

The Iranian Football Federation have filed a complaint with FIFA regarding "unjust" refereeing in Saturday's World Cup defeat to Argentina.

Ryan Benson

Redknapp refuses to reveal dodgers

Harry Redknapp has refused to appease Steven Gerrard by revealing which players he claims shirked England duty during his time at Tottenham.

Ryan Benson

Mendez: Losing helped Ecuador

Ecuador midfielder Edison Mendez believes his team's late defeat to Switzerland has had a positive impact on their FIFA World Cup campaign.

Ryan Benson

M'Bia: Bonus row had an impact

Cameroon midfielder Stephane M'Bia has acknowledged that a pre-tournament bonus row has impacted on their FIFA World Cup performances.

Ryan Benson

Mexico have learnt from mistakes

Rafael Marquez is certain that Mexico have learnt from qualifying errors as they target a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout phase.

Ryan Benson

Alves blasts Fred criticism

Brazil full-back Dani Alves has slammed criticism of his under-fire team mate Fred as "idiotic".

Ryan Benson

Earn redemption, Finke tells team

Cameroon coach Volker Finke has told his players to earn redemption against Brazil following a dismal FIFA World Cup campaign.

Ryan Benson

Albiol plays down training bust-up

Spain defender Raul Albiol has played down reports of a bust-up between Cesc Fabregas and coach Vicente del Bosque.

Ryan Benson

Herrera: Don't spoil everything

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has reminded his players that they will spoil all their hard work if they do not beat Croatia on Monday.

Ryan Benson

Honda: We lack ideas

Keisuke Honda was left frustrated by Japan's lack of creative spark in their 0-0 FIFA World Cup draw with Greece.

Ryan Benson

Rooney sorry for World Cup exit

England striker Wayne Rooney has apologised to the nation's fans following their FIFA World Cup elimination.

Ryan Benson

Hodgson remaining optimistic

England manager Roy Hodgson still expects big things from his squad despite their FIFA World Cup elimination.

Ryan Benson

Phelps makes finals in Santa Clara

American Michael Phelps reached the 100m freestyle and 100m fly finals in Santa Clara in his first full meet since ending his retirement.

Ryan Benson

Queiroz wary of Argentina geniuses

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has acknowledged that Argentina's "geniuses" will not need to be at their best to beat his Iran side on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Queiroz wary of Argentina geniuses

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has acknowledged that Argentina's "geniuses" will not need to be at their best to beat his Iran side on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Prandelli: We deserved to lose

Head coach Cesare Prandelli has admitted Italy deserved their 1-0 FIFA World Cup loss to Costa Rica on Friday.

Ryan Benson

Gyan demands an improvement

Ghana forward Asamoah Gyan has demanded an improvement from his team-mates when they face Germany on Saturday in the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Nigeria saddened by bomb blast

Nigeria team officer Ben Alaiya has spoken of the sadness within the squad following a bomb blast in their country on Wednesday.

Ryan Benson

15 arrested for England attack

The Sao Paulo military police have confirmed that 15 people were arrested for an attack on England fans on Friday.

Ryan Benson

Prandelli 'fears' Costa Rica

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has revealed that he "fears" his side's upcoming FIFA World Cup opponents Costa Rica.

Ryan Benson

Kompany misses training

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has revealed that a groin strain forced Vincent Kompany to miss training on Thursday.

Ryan Benson

Del Bosque expects consequences

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque declared that there will be "consequences" to their embarrassing FIFA World Cup elimination.

Ryan Benson

Conejo backs Navas to shine

Former Costa Rica star Luis Gabelo Conejo has tipped compatriot Keylor Navas to become one of the world's best goalkeepers.

Ryan Benson

Rueda keeps faith in starters

Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda will not make any changes ahead of their second FIFA World Cup Group E match against Honduras on Friday.

Ryan Benson

De Jong: Ignore the 'euphoria'

Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong has demanded his team-mates do not to get lost in the "euphoria" created by their 5-1 win over Spain.

Ryan Benson

Klinsmann not fazed by expectations

United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann believes his country's supporters should expect the team to go far in the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Beitashour: Second up for grabs

Iran defender Steven Beitashour believes second spot in Group F at the FIFA World Cup is there for the taking for his side.

Ryan Benson

Beckenbauer to assist in FIFA probe

Franz Beckenbauer has told FIFA that he will assist with their ethics investigation into the World Cup bidding process.

Ryan Benson

Samaras: Score flattered Colombia

Greece forward Georgios Samaras believes their 3-0 defeat to Colombia on Saturday flattered Jose Pekerman's side.

Ryan Benson

Vidal expects Spain response

Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal is expecting Spain to show their true quality when the two sides meet on Wednesday.

Ryan Benson

Alba: No excuse for shocking loss

Spain defender Jordi Alba said fatigue was no excuse for their 'shocking' 5-1 FIFA World Cup defeat to Netherlands on Friday.

Ryan Benson

Pranjic in contention for Cameroon

Croatia defender Danijel Pranjic expects to be fit to play his country's crucial FIFA World Cup clash with Cameroon.

Ryan Benson

Ochoa: Mexico will only get better

Guillermo Ochoa has warned upcoming opponents Brazil that Mexico will only get stronger ahead of their FIFA World Cup clash.

Ryan Benson

Casillas: I am to blame

Iker Casillas has taken responsibility for Spain's 5-1 FIFA World Cup humiliation at the hands of the Netherlands on Friday.

Ryan Benson

Hodgson: Welbeck fit for Italy

England manager Roy Hodgson has declared Danny Welbeck fit to feature in their FIFA World Cup Group D opener against Italy on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Peralta: We've achieved nothing yet

Mexico forward Oribe Peralta has reminded his team-mates that they have achieved nothing yet despite winning their FIFA World Cup opener.

Ryan Benson

Suarez ruled out

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has confirmed that Luis Suarez will not start his team's FIFA World Cup opener against Costa Rica on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Lovren: Brazil win a 'FIFA scandal'

Croatia defender Dejan Lovren has labelled Thursday's controversial FIFA World Cup loss to hosts Brazil a "scandal".

Ryan Benson

Lazio confirm Pioli appointment

Lazio have announced the appointment of Stefano Pioli as head coach following Edoardo Reja's resignation.

Ryan Benson

Mogilevets rues Shirokov injury

Russia midfielder Pavel Mogilevets has spoken of his disappointment about injured captain Roman Shirokov missing the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Sagna: Wenger changed my life

Bacary Sagna has thanked Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for changing his life in a parting message to the club and fans.

Ryan Benson

Sagna: Wenger changed my life

Bacary Sagna has thanked Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for changing his life in a parting message to the club and fans.

Ryan Benson

Hart lauds defenders as 'warriors'

Joe Hart has given the "warriors" in England's defence a vote of confidence ahead of the side's FIFA World Cup opener against Italy.

Ryan Benson

Garay wary of Bosnia aerial threat

Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay is wary of Bosnia-Herzegovina from set-pieces ahead of their FIFA World Cup opener.

Ryan Benson

Hajrovic downplays Argentina threat

Bosnia-Herzegovina winger Izet Hajrovic has downplayed the threat posed by FIFA World Cup Group F rivals Argentina.

Ryan Benson

Iran can be a surprise - Queiroz

Carlos Queiroz has warned Group F opponents that his Iran team will not be pushovers at the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Preview: Mexico v Cameroon

Cameroon and Mexico will hope to put their pre-tournament issues to one side when they get their FIFA World Cup campaigns under way.

Ryan Benson

Brazil final scalp like an 'orgasm'

Argentina legend Diego Maradona claims that beating hosts and bitter rivals Brazil in the FIFA World Cup final would be "like an orgasm".

Ryan Benson

Vialli: Pirlo will be decisive

Former Italy international Gianluca Vialli is expecting Andrea Pirlo to be decisive at both ends of the pitch during the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

USA-born Beitashour avoids politics

America-born Iran defender Steven Beitashour is ignoring political tensions between the two nations as he prepares to fulfil his dream.

Ryan Benson

Karagounis talks up Greece

Giorgos Karagounis has warned other countries to write off Greece at their peril as they prepare their assault on the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Bulls points deduction upheld

Super League club Bradford Bulls have had their six-point penalty upheld by an independent panel.

Ryan Benson

Vialli: England don't like pressure

Former Italy star Gianluca Vialli thinks his compatriots will handle the pressure of the FIFA World Cup better than Group D rivals England.

Ryan Benson

Welbeck misses England training

Danny Welbeck missed training on Wednesday with a thigh injury as England prepare for their FIFA World Cup opener against Italy on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Jones feared for World Cup place

England defender Phil Jones has revealed that he feared for his FIFA World Cup chances after injuring a shoulder at the end of last season.

Ryan Benson

Bierhoff: Klose can be decisive

Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff is convinced Miroslav Klose will justify his selection at the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Oxlade-Chamberlain can play a role

England midfielder Jack Wilshere is confident that injured team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can play a key role at the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Herrera: Success is possible

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera believes the possibilities are endless for his side at the FIFA World Cup after arriving in the "best spirit".

Ryan Benson

Dellas warns of Japan threat

Former Greece international Traianos Dellas has singled out Japan as his country's most dangerous rival at the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Lahm expects Germany midfield role

Versatile Germany captain Philipp Lahm expects to continue to midfield reinvention at the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Cadamuro unconcerned about defence

Algeria defender Liassine Cadamuro is convinced that the team's defence will not be a cause for concern at the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Hong wary of counter-attacks

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo hopes to learn more about his side's ability to defend counter-attacks ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

Costa Rica can 'make history'

Costa Rica forward Marcos Urena has insisted the Central American nation can "make history" at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Benson

World Cup 2014: Chile

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil will see 32 teams battle it out for football's ultimate prize. Here we profile Chile.

Ryan Benson

WC 2014: Arturo Vidal (Chile)

The 2014 FIFA World Cup will bring together standout players from right across the globe. Here we profile Chile's Arturo Vidal.

Ryan Benson

Hibs 0 Hamilton 2 (aet, 3-4 pens)

Hibernian have been relegated from the Scottish Premiership after a 4-3 defeat on penalties in their play-off against Hamilton Academical.

Ryan Benson

McIlroy victorious at Wentworth

Rory McIlroy made the most of Thomas Bjorn's front-nine capitulation to triumph in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Ryan Benson

Kings XI thump Daredevils

Kings XI Punjab warmed up for the Indian Premier League play-offs with a seven-wicket thrashing of rock-bottom Delhi Daredevils.

Ryan Benson

Puig gets first Puerto Rico WTA win

Monica Puig has become the first Puerto Rican to win a WTA event after beating Silvia Soler-Espinosa in the Internationaux de Strasbourg.

Ryan Benson

Bouchard clinches first WTA title

Eugenie Bouchard recovered from a second-set slip-up against Karolina Pliskova to win her first WTA title at the Nuremburg Versicherungsup.

Ryan Benson

Greuther Furth 1 Hamburg 1

Hamburg dramatically preserved their Bundesliga status courtesy of an away goal in a 1-1 play-off draw at Greuther Furth.

Ryan Benson

Osasuna barrier collapse injures 68

Osasuna have confirmed a man broke a leg and 67 others were also injured when a barrier collapsed at El Sadar against Real Betis on Sunday.

Ryan Benson

La Liga Wrap

Osasuna and Real Valladolid have been relegated from La Liga following a dramatic final day on Sunday.

Ryan Benson

Tottenham 3 Aston Villa 0

Tottenham secured an emphatic 3-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa on Sunday in what could be Tim Sherwood's final game in charge.

Ryan Benson

Sunderland survival stuns Poyet

Gus Poyet believes rival clubs will struggle to emulate Sunderland's Premier League great escape as they clinched safety on Wednesday.

Ryan Benson

Ronaldo injured in Valladolid

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo may be a doubt for the UEFA Champions League final after going off injured against Real Valladolid.

Ryan Benson

La Liga Wrap

Atletico Madrid remain on course to win La Liga after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday.

Ryan Benson

Scottish Premiership Wrap

Already-relegated Hearts beat Hibernian 2-1 in the season's final Edinburgh derby, while Celtic thrashed Inverness Caledonian Thistle 6-0.

Ryan Benson

Serie A Wrap

Napoli edged closer to securing third spot in Serie A by drawing 0-0 at Inter on Saturday, but Fiorentina kept up the pressure.

Ryan Benson

La Liga Wrap

Real Valladolid dented Barcelona's title bid with a 1-0 win, while Atletico Madrid have momentarily gone top after beating Celta Vigo 2-0.

Ryan Benson

Gerardo Martino: Title race not over not over for Barcelona

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino remained defiant about his team's title hopes after their dismal 1-0 defeat at Real Valladolid on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Schumacher condition unchanged

Michael Schumacher is still in the "wake up phase" as he battles to recover from injuries suffered in a skiing accident, says his manager.

Ryan Benson

Murray feeling 'normal' again

Andy Murray is finally starting to "feel normal" following back surgery in September.

Ryan Benson

Sharapova: Shorten men's matches

Maria Sharapova believes men's grand slam matches should be shortened from five sets to three.

Ryan Benson

Winter Paralympics under way

Russia commemorated the start of the Winter Paralympic Games in Sochi with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Fisht Stadium on Friday.

Ryan Benson

Alonso: Drivers need to be smart

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso believes drivers will have to be particularly clever when managing the new Formula One engines this season.

Ryan Benson

Ancelotti applauds Real perfection

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed the 6-1 UEFA Champions League hammering of Schalke on Wednesday as "the perfect match".

Ryan Benson

Schalke 1 Real Madrid 6

Real Madrid's attacking stars aligned as they demolished Schalke 6-1 in Germany to all but secure a Champions League quarter-final place.

Ryan Benson

Barcelona 6 Rayo Vallecano 0

Lionel Messi was in record breaking mood as Barcelona claimed a 6-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, while Atletico Madrid beat Real Valladolid 3-0.

Ryan Benson

Grillo takes Africa Open lead

Argentinian Emiliano Grillo fired a nine-under 62 to take a two-shot lead into the final day of the Africa Open.

Ryan Benson

Renault behind schedule

Renault have admitted that they still remain behind some of their Formula One rivals in terms of pre-season preparation.

Ryan Benson

Martino: Messi silenced critics

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino believes Lionel Messi silenced his critics with a two-goal display at Sevilla in La Liga action on Sunday.

Ryan Benson

Real Madrid go top as Atletico lose at Almeria

Real Madrid moved to the top of the table thanks to their 4-2 win over Villarreal and Almeria beating Atletico Madrid 2-0.

Ryan Benson

Ligue 1 Wrap

Lille moved up to third in Ligue 1 thanks to a 2-0 home win over struggling Sochaux on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Real Madrid 3 Atletico Madrid 0

Real Madrid avenged last season's Copa del Rey defeat to city rivals Atletico by beating them 3-0 to put one foot in this year's final.

Ryan Benson

Villa beat West Brom in seven-goal thriller

Aston Villa notched their 300th Premier League win by battling from two goals down to beat Midlands rivals West Brom 4-3 at Villa Park.

Ryan Benson

Norwich City 1 Fulham 1

Norwich City and Fulham will go to an FA Cup third-round replay after playing out a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Ryan Benson

Norwich City 1 Fulham 2

A late Scott Parker strike handed Fulham a boost in the club's relegation battle as Rene Meulensteen's side triumphed 2-1 at Norwich City.

Ryan Benson

David Moyes eyes Champions League glory for Manchester United

Manchester United manager David Moyes insists a club of their stature must aim to win the UEFA Champions League.

Ryan Benson

Bayer Leverkusen hold firm to advance in Champions League

Bayer Leverkusen progressed to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Real Sociedad.

Ryan Benson

Inter 3 Parma 3

Nicola Sansone's first two Serie A goals of the season helped Parma to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Inter at San Siro on Sunday.

Ryan Benson

Anderlecht 2 Benfica 3

Benfica kept alive their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League knockout phase as Rodrigo secured a 3-2 win in stoppage time.

Ryan Benson

Olympiacos 1 Benfica 0

Olympiacos took a big step towards the UEFA Champions League knockout phase with a gritty 1-0 win at home to Benfica.

Ryan Benson

Wilshere lauds Fabregas

Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has hailed the impact that former team-mate Cesc Fabregas had on him at the beginning of his career.

Ryan Benson

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